Global, Regional, and National Sex Disparities in the Burden of Malignant Neoplasms of Bone and Articular Cartilage: a Systematic Analysis and Projections to 2050.

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant neoplasms of bone and articular cartilage disproportionately affect younger populations, causing premature mortality and long-term disability. Despite recognized sex-based disparities, global analyses of sociodemographic influences and future projections remain limited.

METHODS

Using the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data from global, regional, and national levels across 204 countries or territories, we analyzed sex-, age-, and region-stratified incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In addition, we evaluated temporal trends (1990-2021), socioeconomic disparities, and projected burden to 2050.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2021, global age-standardized incidence rate increased 14.28%; males experienced an 18.3% increase compared with 7.68% in females. Age-standardized mortality rate stabilized globally but diverged by sex (males: +2.09%; females: -3.91%). Age-standardized DALYs rate increased marginally overall (0.1%), driven by rising male (+3.95%) and declining female (-5.95%) burdens. Lower socioeconomic regions (e.g., eastern sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia) faced disproportionately high burdens, contrasting with high-income regions. By 2050, the ASIR for male is projected to increase 20.44%, whereas female may decline (-12.99%), with low Sociodemographic Index countries bearing escalating burdens.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent gender disparities highlight higher incidence, mortality, and DALYs among males, consistent across regions and most age groups. The shifting burden toward lower-resource settings underscores systemic inequities in healthcare access.